cottguy, thanks for answering my question re your need for tube amplification. I share you views about their sonic attributes, and as I said previously, I am a die-hard tube guy and I use a pair of powerful Manley monos that I would not trade for any ss amp that would be remotely in my price range. I think you are going about this in a sober way and are sure to make the right decision for yourself. Having said that, as I'm sure you know, there are always compromises that have to be dealt with unless the budget (and commitment) is limitless. I also think it's fair to say that, all good and honest intentions aside, these threads are an opportunity for respondents to live vicariously through the OP to a degree. With that in mind, when I consider all your goals for this system, and limitations, one other scenario keeps coming up for me.
As I read your descriptions of your room and your goals for this system one of the things that kept coming up in my mind was a system that I had years ago in a room similar to yours. It was in a loft space with a very large listening area. In that room, I achieved one of the most spectacular sounds that I have ever had from a system (there have been many) or heard from any system; sadly, I have not been able to replicate that kind of sound in listening rooms that I have had since. There is something very unique about the way that a pair of well placed planar speakers lock in with a room that can give an incredibly impressive soundstage. Have you considered Magneplanars? You want "wow factor" for your guests? In all my years as an audiophile, no other component has elicited more "wows" from guests than my Maggie MG3A's; not even my tube amps. "WHAT ARE THOSE?". "AMAZING?". Great midrange and their best bass in larger rooms away from the rear wall. Question: I am sure you have considered the issue of placement of your electronics, but do you really want a (or two) tube amp with exposed hot tubes in a common area where inexperienced admirers will be holding drinks and generally not being particularly cautious around equipment? Additionally, to achieve that kind of sound Maggies need a lot of current from the amp; and wonderful results CAN be achieved with the right ss amp. You can have that "glowing tube effect" and a good degree of the warmth and musicality of tubes from a tube preamp placed in a less vulnerable location. Just having a little fun and maybe this suggestion will be food for thought. Good luck.
As I read your descriptions of your room and your goals for this system one of the things that kept coming up in my mind was a system that I had years ago in a room similar to yours. It was in a loft space with a very large listening area. In that room, I achieved one of the most spectacular sounds that I have ever had from a system (there have been many) or heard from any system; sadly, I have not been able to replicate that kind of sound in listening rooms that I have had since. There is something very unique about the way that a pair of well placed planar speakers lock in with a room that can give an incredibly impressive soundstage. Have you considered Magneplanars? You want "wow factor" for your guests? In all my years as an audiophile, no other component has elicited more "wows" from guests than my Maggie MG3A's; not even my tube amps. "WHAT ARE THOSE?". "AMAZING?". Great midrange and their best bass in larger rooms away from the rear wall. Question: I am sure you have considered the issue of placement of your electronics, but do you really want a (or two) tube amp with exposed hot tubes in a common area where inexperienced admirers will be holding drinks and generally not being particularly cautious around equipment? Additionally, to achieve that kind of sound Maggies need a lot of current from the amp; and wonderful results CAN be achieved with the right ss amp. You can have that "glowing tube effect" and a good degree of the warmth and musicality of tubes from a tube preamp placed in a less vulnerable location. Just having a little fun and maybe this suggestion will be food for thought. Good luck.